Software selection and integration becomes a critical step in the development of Websites. Our approach depends on user requirements which may range from very simple to complex. We always attempt to satisfy requirements using free, open source solutions to keep development costs as low as possible.

We use and recommend an underlying Content Management System (CMS) as apposed to manual development of Web pages allowing for rapid development, reduced cost and allowing users to ultimately manage Website content. Our development approach is based on the Movable Type platform:

This
is free software and has become an overwhelming industry standard on
websites featuring multiple photos. The photo gallery incorporated on
this site uses this technology. Simply click on any thumbnail image
under Example on this page to launch the viewer with full size images. In an image set, hover on either side of the image to reveal next/back controls.

Multiple galleries can be created with software controls to select which images are included.

Price: Free

Calendar: Google Calendar

The
Google Calendar is a free service and simple to deploy on websites. A
sample implementation can be viewed at Providence, our personal Website. The calendar features:

Simple setup

Administrative controls

Public and private entries

Multiple Calendar integration

Mobile and email alerts

Manage tasks

Send event invitations and track RSVP's

Multiple sync options with desktop calendars such as Outlook

Price: Free

Other
calendar software is available. These vary in sophistication and cost
(free to a nominal license fee) but would require greater effort (and
cost) to integrate with the proposed Website.

Interactive Maps: Google Maps

Google
Maps is a free service and we have implemented complex, custom versions
when mapping is part of your requirements. Many businesses which have a
physical address frequented by clients use a Google Map to provide a
visual location as well as providing driving directions.

If there is a requirement to display video on your Website, the simplest and most
elegant implementation would be the free video publishing service from
YouTube. By publishing on YouTube, there is the added benefit of
getting free advertising on the YouTube channel.

Price: Free

To see an example of an embedded Video, see the get in MOTION video on this site.

There
are other methods of embedding videos including Macromedia Flash by
Adobe Software. The software to build the videos in Flash can be very
expensive and requires special technical skills. If your video
production service can create Flash videos, we can coordinate the
requirements for insertion into the Website.

Video Player: JW FLV Player

As an alternative to YouTube, we have integrated a very flexible video player from Longtail Video:
the JW FLV player. You can also see an example on this site under
Featured Technology. The JW player supports many video formats and
sources.

Price: Free for non-commercial use, a single Website commercial license starts at about $100.

Specializing in management consulting, marketing, Website/Blogsite development, Movable Type, application of open source software and Activity Based Costing and Pricing for service organizations. Contact us for more information.

MT Developer Links

Hybrid News Lite

You are currently viewing BIG(MT) with the Hybrid News Theme with custom styling to take the "heaviness" out of the original Hybrid News port to Movable Type. You can also see my comment thread at majordojo for more info. I call this Hybrid News Lite. If you want the custom CSS and the Follow Widget, download it here:Custom CSS/Widget.